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Madras High Court Orders 'No Caste No Religion' Certificate for Actor R. Parthiban by April 29

The directive enforces a 2025 ruling that tells Tamil Nadu to let local revenue offices certify people who choose no caste or religion.

Overview

  • The Madras High Court, which ruled Wednesday, told the Sholinganallur Tahsildar to issue the certificate to R. Parthiban by April 29, 2026.
  • Justice M. Dhandapani relied on a June 10, 2025 division bench order that requires the state to empower revenue officials to provide such certificates.
  • Parthiban said he applied on March 20 with the Velachery Tahsildar, the file was shifted to Sholinganallur on jurisdiction grounds, and no action followed.
  • He told the court he renounced caste and religion as an adult and lacks school or birth records that list either, having left school after Class 11.
  • The judge criticized delays, noted Parthiban can seek contempt action if officials do not comply, and coverage suggests the order may spur similar requests and fresh debate on identity paperwork.